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Connection > performance.
Laughter > logistics.
Memories > obligations.
Fully present.
Surrounded by people you love.
the best photos happen when you're busy living the moment, not performing for the camera.
No matter how you are celebrating, You Deserve a day that feels like you.
Pick your adventure
Engagement & Proposal packages
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Elopement
Photography packages
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wedding
Photography packages
I'll help you create a day that feels authentic and photograph it in a way that feels effortless, not awkward
Based in Southwest Virginia | Serving Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains & beyond
No stiff poses. No fake moments. Just the laughs, tears, chaos, and little things you never want to forget.
when you work with me you'll get photos that actually feel like you
Imagine remembering your day like this
See for yourself
A wedding & elopement photographer for couples who'd rather make memories than follow a script. Based in Southwest Virginia, I spend most of my time photographing weddings and elopements in Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and beyond.
I'm not just there to take pretty pictures (although obviously you'll get that too). I'm your sidekick through the whole process, from helping you find an epic sunset ceremony spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to making you laugh during portraits, to barking like a seal so your dog actually looks at the camera.
When I'm not photographing weddings, you'll probably find me training for my next HYROX race, disassociating in a fantasy novel, hanging with my four rescue dogs, or adventuring with my husband and two kids.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Whether you are eloping in Shenandoah National Park, planning an intimate micro wedding or dreaming up a sustainable shindig for all your friends, all you have to do on your wedding day is be present and have a good time. I'll capture all the real, honest moments as if you were in your own epic indie film. Think of me as your trusty sidekick who always helps you have a good time and makes you look gooood.
Let my couples tell you
What's it like to have me as your Virginia wedding photographer?
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Katelyn
Kara shot our wedding and put together the most beautiful wedding videos that we will cherish forever! Her adventurous personality shined through all of her creative ideas. Kara was a joy to work with and I’ll never forget our wedding day splashing in the creek thanks to her!
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Haley
We wanted the perfect mix of candid moments captured, classic wedding portraits and ultimately, an accurate depiction of our love for one another and Kara truly delivered on all fronts...We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
Elisa
Kara is from the area and knows it like the back of her hand. She knew the exact spot we were getting married, where the sun will be at what time, what we needed to bring and keep in mind…I suggest getting as much time with her as you can. Between the detailed shots, family, individual shots... there is just so much to capture…If we could do it again we would do it just the same.
“
SEE THEIR STORY ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Annie
Kara’s presence throughout the day was calming, supportive and fun! Kara will capture the raw emotions of your wedding while leaving space for you to soak in every sweet moment with your person. Afterwards, a family member asked if some of our photos were posed or prompted (us crying together during vows)… nope! Kara has such a special talent and unique eye for capturing these memories so beautifully.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Ready to begin?
Here's what it's like working with me
We meet (either on a phone or video call) and I learn all about you two and your ideas for your day.
I'll send you location ideas for your intimate wedding or engagement photos and vendor/airbnb recommendations when needed.
The day is here! Relax and enjoy the incredible experience you've crafted together.
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Need something else? You can email me directly at hello@karaleighcreative.com
Let's do this thing! Inquire about availability and get more information
Fill out the Form below and I’ll be in touch.
Looking for photo AND video?
I got you!
Working with just one company for both photo and video means you don't have vendors competing for the same shot or getting in one Another's way. Instead, you get the best of both worlds -- a team whose only goal is to make sure your day is captured beautifully.
Both my premium wedding and elopement packages include a 3-5 minute highlight video, but you can add on a highlight video to any package! You can also add on a full ceremony video as well as longer documentary videos that cover the day from start to finish.
Elopement Highlight Videos
Wedding Highlight Videos
I'm a Virginia wedding photographer and filmmaker based near Roanoke, Virginia, but I serve all of Virginia including Charlottesville, Richmond, NOVA, Shenandoah National Park and SW Virginia as well as western North Carolina (Boone, Charlotte, Asheville) and Eastern West Virginia including the New River Gorge National park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you LGBTQ friendly?
Absolutely! I work with lots of queer couples.
When is the best time of year to elope in Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah is beautiful year round but the best weather and least amount of people are usually found in May and September. If you're looking for peak leaf season, you'll want to plan your elopement for the last two weeks of October.
Do we have to hike to get epic mountain views in Shenandoah?
Nope. There are tons of stunning overlooks with no hiking required.
What's the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement?
Honestly people use the terms pretty interchangeably, but for me it comes down to will you need a venue or not? An elopement can typically fit in an Airbnb if there is bad weather and doesn't need a permit in Shenandoah (15 people or fewer). A micro wedding is going to need some kind of venue for a rainy day plan and is typically 15-50 people.
Can we bring our dog?
100%! Many of my clients bring their pups. They can get ready with you at your Airbnb, be in your wedding portraits and even be the ring bearer if you'd like.
We are awkward in front of the camera -- will you help?
Honestly, everyone says they are awkward in front of the camera, yet every single couple on my website is a real couple. I'll guide you through the whole process, make you laugh, leave space for you to just "be" and help create a great experience so you'll just feel like we are hanging out like old friends.
What sets you apart from other elopement photographers?
I'm one of the original Shenandoah National Park elopement photographers! I've been working in the Blue Ridge Mountains for over a decade and have photographed more than 200 weddings and elopements. I'm both easy going and very prepared, which means you'll be taken care of, but also have a great time. I offer both photo and video and can do anything from photograph an epic museum celebration to hike 10 miles to your sunrise ceremony with you.
